Worksheet 1 and 2 : An Artist of the floting world
Worksheet 1 and 2 : An Artist of the Floting World
Hello learners. I am a student. I am writing this blog as a part of thinking activity which assign by Dilip Sir. In which I have tried to answer some questions with help of chat GPT.
Worksheet 1 :
Match the following items related to Kazuo Ishiguro with their descriptions.
Items Descriptions
1. Sir Kazuo Ishiguro. - B. British novelist of Japanese origin, born in Nagasaki, Japan.
2. Novelist known for - D. Uncovering the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the
world.
3. Regret fused with subtle
optimism- A his lyrical tales of regret fused with subtle optimism .
4. Nobel Committee
remarked - C. A narrative style that deals with memories and nostalgia of the past, often leading to regret for one's past deeds.
1. Who is V S Naipaul, and what is he known for?
V.S. Naipaul was a Trinidadian-British writer known for his works exploring themes of colonialism, post-colonialism, exile, and identity. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001 for his literary contribution to understanding the intricacies of the modern world and the colonial experience.
2. What is the book "Good Muslim" about? Also mention the author & Country.
The book "The Good Muslim" is a novel written by Tahmima Anam. It is set in Bangladesh and explores the aftermath of the country's war for independence from Pakistan in 1971. The story follows the lives of two siblings, Maya and Sohail, as they grapple with the legacy of war, political upheaval, and personal identity in post-war Bangladesh. The novel delves into themes of religion, tradition, modernity, and the complexities of familial relationships in the context of a changing society.
3. What is "The Lowland" about?
"The Lowland" is a novel written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri. It tells the story of two brothers, Subhash and Udayan, who grow up in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, during the 1960s. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, personal identity, political activism, and the impact of historical events such as the Naxalite movement on their lives. The title "The Lowland" refers to a geographical feature, a stretch of low-lying land near the brothers' childhood home, which holds significance in their lives and the story's narrative.
4. Who is the author of ‘Island of Thousand Mirrors?_ and
to which country does s/he belongs to?
The author of "Island of a Thousand Mirrors" is Nayomi Munaweera. She belongs to Sri Lanka.
5.novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in
Few Words :
The title "An Artist of the Floating Explain the significance of the title of the World" symbolizes the protagonist's identity as a painter who was once celebrated for his work depicting the transient pleasures of pre-war Japan's entertainment districts, known as the "floating world." However, it also reflects the shifting cultural and moral landscape of post-war Japan, where the values associated with the floating world are no longer esteemed, and the protagonist must confront the consequences of his past actions.
Worksheet 2 :
1. Explain these quotes: Write context and significance on separate paper.
(A) “As far as I am concerned, I freely admit I made many mistakes. I accept that much of what I did was
ultimately harmful to our nation, that mine was part of an influence that resulted in untold suffering for
our own people. I admit this.” Speaker: ____Masuji Ono __ to: __Norika's In-laws .
In this quote from the novel "The Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, Masuji Ono, the protagonist, is acknowledging and accepting responsibility for his past actions. He admits to making mistakes and recognizes that his choices contributed to harm and suffering for his country. This statement reflects Ono's self-awareness and remorse as he reflects on his role in the events of the past.
(B) "There's a certain kind of artist these days," he went on, "whose greatest talent lies in hiding away from
the real world. Unfortunately, such artists appear to be in dominance at present, and you, Ono, have
come under the sway of one of them. Don't look so angry, it's true. Your knowledge of the world is like
a child's. I doubt, for instance, if you could even tell me who Karl Marx was."
Speaker: ___Chisu Mastuda _ to: __Maduji Ono_ .
In this quote from "The Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, Chisu Matsuda criticizes Masuji Ono's detachment from the real world and his lack of knowledge about influential figures like Karl Marx. Matsuda suggests that Ono's artistic worldview is narrow and disconnected from the societal and political realities of their time. This critique reflects a broader theme in the novel about the responsibilities of artists to engage with the world around them and the consequences of remaining aloof or indifferent to social and political issues.
(C) "Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?". Speaker: __Ichoro_ to_Masuji Ono __.
In this quote from "The Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, Ichiro asks Masuji Ono if Mr. Naguchi was similar to Oji, referring to their shared fate of suicide. Ichiro then questions why Mr. Naguchi took his own life. This exchange highlights themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of past actions. It suggests that Mr. Naguchi's suicide may be linked to personal struggles or regrets, mirroring the complexities of Ono's own experiences and decisions.
(D) “My conscience, Sensei, tells me I cannot remain forever an artist of the floating world." --- Then he
said: "As you point out yourself, Ono, these are troubled times. All the more so for a young artist,
practically unknown.” Speaker: ___Ono __ to ___Teacher Sensei
In this quote from "The Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, Masuji Ono reflects on his conscience and acknowledges that he cannot continue being solely an artist of the floating world, a term referring to the pleasure districts of pre-war Japan. He recognizes the troubled times and the challenges facing young, unknown artists like himself. This statement reveals Ono's internal conflict between his past artistic pursuits and the changing realities of post-war Japan, where societal values and artistic priorities have shifted.
3. What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel?
In "The Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, the use of the word "you" holds significant thematic weight. Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Masuji Ono, often addresses various characters, including himself, as "you" during his introspective reflections and conversations. This usage highlights Ono's internal dialogue as he grapples with his past actions, guilt, and sense of responsibility.
Additionally, the word "you" serves as a device for Ishiguro to explore the broader themes of accountability, perspective, and the subjective nature of memory. By addressing both himself and others as "you," Ono blurs the boundaries between self and other, suggesting that individuals are interconnected and mutually influenced by their actions and perceptions. This reflects the novel's exploration of collective guilt and the complexities of personal and societal responsibility in the aftermath of war and cultural change.
4. What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’?
An unreliable narrator is a literary device where the narrator of a story, whether it's a novel, short story, or any other form of narrative, presents information in a way that calls into question their credibility, honesty, or accuracy. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally, and it often leads readers to question the truthfulness or reliability of the narrative being presented. Unreliable narrators may distort facts, withhold information, have biased perspectives, or even deceive the audience, creating ambiguity and complexity in the storytelling. The use of an unreliable narrator can add depth to a narrative, inviting readers to critically analyze the text and consider multiple interpretations.
5. The Art and the Artist: How is this concept explored in the novel? [Key: How Masuji’s father, Master
Takeda - a business owner, Chisu Mastuda – a nationalist friend and Seiji Muriyama - teacher consider
the role of art?
Masuji's father: Art as a means to achieve financial success and social status.
Master Takeda: Art as a commodity for profit and societal recognition.
Chisu Matsuda: Art as a reflection of national identity and political ideology.
Seiji Muriyama: Art as a tool for shaping societal values and promoting cultural tradition.
6. Which theme according to you is the central theme of the novel?
The central theme of the novel is the reconciliation of past actions and personal identity in the face of societal change.
Thank you for visit..!
Be learner.
